Baby Baby - Amy Grant Songs

Grace Abigail McCumber
December 15, 2007
4:56 p.m. PST

7lbs. 15 oz.
21 1/2 inches long
brown hair

She's beautiful.
I cry more than she does.
I love her dearly.
Pictures coming soon.

(bad attempt at Haiku, but I am sleepy).

Baby Photo

Here is the first pic of the baby to be. Still no idea about gender.

Say It Ain't So, Joe

Disgusted. Dismayed. Not surprised. The Mitchell Report is out and tons of baseball players were named as part of the steroid scandal. What a terrible example to our youth. The only way to be the best is by cheating. By using drugs that will destroy your body. By lying. Great example from our national pastime. How can I sit in judgment? Easy, because professional sports have gotten way out of hand. I am ready to boycott baseball again. It hurts my feelings to know this, more than a 50 million dollar deal for a Japanese baseball player. Get a grip, pros. We can't afford to see you play anymore. And why would I want to see a bunch of cheaters. I'd rather watch a little league game. At least then, the only assholes there are poor-sport parents. I remember it used to be for the love of the game. I hope it gets back there again soon.

Oprah for President

Oprah did her big speech endorsing Barrack Obama. Much like a Jonathan Franzen novel, Oprah has said that Obama is her President of the month. Oprah's a powerful voice. Why I will never actually know (much like why we will never know how twinkies stay fresh forever), but she can convince the unconvinceable that something is good.

It got the little cogs of my brain working overtime. Could we actually ever elect the uber-minority President? Black, female, lesbian? Are we ready for it? And then it hit me. Why waste the time being the voice behind the curtain - Oprah, throw your beautiful nubiosity into the POTUS ring. She needs a spouse though, because Americans are not ready for a bachelor(ette) President. Could we handle Stedman, the First Lady? I dunno, but I wanted to take the time to imagine the world with Oprah as POTUS.

First and foremost, Oprah is totally qualified. I mean, she has obviously shaped public policy with her wisdom and leadership. And big business better watch out, look what she did to the Texas Beef Group. Lest we not forget her welfare program ideas - what homeless person wouldn't want a brand new Pontiac G-6. It's also great for single parents who need to run to the store to get milk in style. And economic policy, one only need look at her generosity with the cars - talk about fiscal responsiblity, this woman knows how to stretch a dollar.

Second, she already has a great cabinet in mind. Oprah & Friends would be fantastic. White House Press Secretary Gayle King. Secretary of State (and foreign affairs genius) Dr. Phil. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Jean Chatzky would put this country on a wonderful debt diet - we'll be whipped into shape in no time. Presidential Physical Fitness guy Bob Greene - ooh, gorgeous, physical - women would run laps for him. Dr. Maya Angelou (sorry, not even I can poke fun at her) as Secretary of Defense. Dr. Oz as Surgeon General (no "friends of dorothy" jokes, please - this is serious journalism).

Third, people love her. Much like the student union elections of our youth, the US Presidency is really just a popularity contest. OMG, everyone knows Oprah. Do you think Puty-Put Putin would dare do anything that might piss O off? No way, he'd be in the studio audience in no time with a lot of 'splainin to do. Coalition forces would bring peace everywhere because Oprah says so.

And here are some other minor reasons. She already has her own show. No more interrupting Heroes or Deal or No Deal or America's Got Talent. Oprah's already on 5 days a week. Talk about a President who would really reach us. And hey, with her readership of O and O at Home, nationwide referenda could be held to repeal that silly "no white after Labor Day" rule. Did I mention the lesbian thing? Shh, I think we can all wink to that! She covers the hard-hitting issues that I care about: "Is peace for real?," "Bobbi Brown's make-up tips," and "cooking on a budget." This is presidential material.

So, keep your Obamas and Clintons and Romneys (oh my!). In 2008, I'm voting for the big O.

The Music War

It's funny how music can start a fight. Believe it or not, religious music can start a fight. Or rather, the people who make the music start the fight. I am part of the United Church of Christ, whose motto is - Wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. At our church, it is becoming more, "you're welcome here, as long as you don't wear jeans but like 300-year-old hymns, all others need not attend." I am a jeans guy (I wear suits all week). I know there is supposedly some concept that respect for God means you wear a suit. However, I don't recall Jesus wearing a tie or loafers. Anyways, the music war raged today, with our music director fighting the praise band. It was awful, and the worst part about is that people lost sight of why music ministry matters. There is line from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that sticks with me ("Why do you seek the Cup of Christ? Is it for His glory or for yours?") Why do you do music ministry? Is it for His glory or for yours? The war reminded me of a speech I gave during my senior year in high school for a choir scholarship I received (we were in Gulf War I at the time):

Music.
A collection of tones and sounds and words.
An interplay of melody and harmony.
The movement and measure of our existence.
There is so much that music brings us.
Music stirs the soul and touches the wellspring of emotion.
Music moves us in battle, but encourages us to find peace.
Music tells of the love for another.
Music honors those we have lost through the years.
Music brings forth a smile and laugh.
Music covers the heartache and sometimes the tears.
Music is hope and wisdom and faith.
Music unifies people behind a common song.
I could not imagine a world without music.
No songs to be sung.
No horns to blast a brassy tune.
No strings to soothe the savage beast.
No beat and rhythm to which the pace of life is set.
When I was younger, orchestras, bands, minstrels would play in my head.
Now that I am older, I make music.
With every breath, an opus for all time.
Music.
A bit of us all that makes something better and greater.
(the rest is the thanks for the scholarship stuff)

I hope people read this and see God and music in a new light.

Ch-ch-changes (and other song lyrics)

Two weeks ago, I learned that I am going to be a dad. Yep, the call came in and here it is - two weeks (or so) till birth. I am scared. I am elated. I am nervous. I am confused. I am joyful. I get the honor of adopting a child, raising it as my own. Most people are supportive, as they would be, because hey - they aren't raising the child. Some people are confused (why I would do this, what is my sexuality, all that). One person is against it - mom. Yep, my mom is not okay with this. She has her reasons and I acknowledge them (I don't agree with them). So, as December 5th draws nearer, I wait. I could write a thousand more things about that, but I need time to soak it all in.

My senior pastor is leaving to accept a call at a church in Ohio. Last year at this time, our associate pastor took a senior pastor call. I miss his leadership. Our senior pastor's leadership is different to me, but no less important. I stepped up as youth minister. There ain't no way I am stepping up any higher (and thankfully, there is a plan for that - yay!)

I saw "Fred Claus" today. Was it cheesy and predictable? Yeah. And you know what, I liked it. Vince Vaughn is a comic genius (and producer of this movie). It made me happy to think about the Santa story in a new light.

That's it - no more rambling, especially since I watched "America's Most Smartest Model" (and wondered why I even own a tv anymore).

National Youth Workers Convention - Part 1

Okay, so for two and a half days, I have been soaking in the atmosphere and rocking nature of the convention. Here are some things I have learned in St. Louis:

1) While I dress like most other youth workers, I do not have the obligatory chin forest that some male youth workers have. It's not a goatee, but rather a bearded concept like Scott Ian of Anthrax. In fact, I think Scott Ian of Anthrax is here (or his brother).

2) There are a lot of Methodists in youth ministry. Yes, 3 of out every 4 youth workers I have met are from the United Methodist Church. That is not a bad thing, just a curious fact. I did find some UCC people. They are easy to spot, even in youth worker crowds.

3) The music rocks. I have seen great bands so far: Flatfoot 56, David Crowder Band, Matt Maher, Jars of Clay, Aieysha Woods, Family Force 5. Wow, talk about some diverse music. Amazing.

4) The speakers are good. Some are amazing. Some are okay. One was a tad repetitive and boring. But, that doesn't mean I am any better. Speaking of which, this morning (Sunday morning), I ended up leading a seminar on Middle School Ministry. It wasn't organized or planned out. However, it was weird to take some youth workers through an awkward topic (What do I do to make youth ministry work?) The best speaker, and most humbling, was Zach Hunter (the 15 year old abolitionist). Yes, I learned the most from the kid. The person who represents what our ministry is all about and has inspired me to encourage the souls of these kids.

So that is just a brief glimpse into the first few days. I will blog a bit more tonight about stuff. Tune in for more - or don't - it's Sunday and you should try to enjoy it.

PS: It was Sleep Out Saturday this past Saturday (where our youth at St. Matthew raised money for homelessness programs and slept out in the cold to understand the problem). 13 kids, 4 adults, and $3,000.00. Talk about coming together to serve, but more importantly to enjoy and appreciate God's message for us - LOVE GOD and LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES).

Truthfully

Okay, so I was going through my CD collection (which after working for radio station, is somewhat vast). Of course, I found an old album by one of my favorite artists - Lisa Loeb. The song is called "Truthfully." It's a love song, but when I listened to the lyrics, I found that it really defines how I view my relationship with Jesus. Here's the lyrics:

This isn’t what I like to call flattery,
But I know that I believe that I’ve found what’s true,
That I’ve found what’s you.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
Surprise, cause I was flying the plane.
Surprise, cause now I’m smiling again.
Surprise, cause you showed up with your parachute.
Surprise, I’m kind of happy you showed up.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
Truthfully, I really can’t explain, I’m floating, I’m smiling again.
Truthfully, I can’t ignore you, cause I’ve been waiting for you.
Truthfully, I’m not desperate, I haven’t changed my mind since we first met,
But the last thing that I want to do is to tell you that I’m right for you.
Truthfully i
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully you
You helped me find at last.
Truthfully we
Are finding out what’s true.
And truthfully I am finding out what’s you.
I’m finding finally.
Truthfully, I’m finding out what’s you.
I’m smiling again.
Truthfully

So, when I think of being lost and aimless, I know that Jesus is always waiting and finding ways to help me find out the truth. And He's right there waiting. How awesome is that?

When Jesus and Potter Meet

So last weekend, we had a lock-in at church and we watched the Harry Potter movie quintology (don't ask where the 5th movie came from). Anyways, in the stupor of minimal sleep, the youth and I came up with "Hogwarts High School Musical." Over the next few weeks (as I have time), I will post the new songs (which are just Disney High School Musical lyrics with a Hogwarts twist - please, movie companies - don't sue because this is a parody):

WE'RE ALL AT HOGWARTS TOGETHER
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right

Here and now its time for celebration
We took Voldemort out (yeah yeah)
That all the death eaters are in incarceration
That's what its all about(yeah yeah)

All four houses are special in their own way
We make each other strong (we make each other strong)
We're not the same
We're different in a good way
Hogwarts is where we belong

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true

Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right

Wizards here
and speaking out with one voice
Elves will rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on now, muggles make some noise
come on scream and shout

We've arrived becuase we stuck together
Champions one and all

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true

We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this toghether
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it

Hufflepuffs sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Ravenclaws in the house
Everybody say it now
Slytherins everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Gryffindors
Time to show the world

We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Wand in hand
Magic dreams do come true

We're all in this together
On our brooms
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
Theres a chance
That we have
And we take it

Potions masters everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Come on everyone!

Hippos

I have learned in my many years to never underestimate the value of hippos. They make you laugh, especially when they sing. Don't believe me? Check this out:
www.ebaumsworld.com/flash/hipponoodles.html

Heifer Ranch

On July 22, 2007, 11 youth and 5 adults departed from church to begin the long journey to Heifer Ranch, part of the Heifer Project International. We drove to St. Louis, our first stopover on the way, to assist Pilgrim Congregational Church with their summer urban outreach program. We set up the service in Visitors Park and listened to some wonderful music at an ecumenical service with the UCC, the Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian Church. We then spent the night at Pilgrim Congregational Church before we began the rest of our journey to Heifer.

Shortly before arriving at Heifer, we were delayed by some serious car accidents on I-40, which delayed traffic. Late Monday evening, we arrived at what is affectionately known as the Heifer Hilton, where we spent the night before heading to customs. Well-rested, we loaded up into our hayride to customs to begin our journey. When we arrived, we faced harsh airport officials, stolen luggage, and long delays. Our youth were sent to different regions; some of us arrived in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States, some landed in Tibet, and the rest of our youth were sent to Mozambique.

One of the difficulties we faced was the segregation of our group. Would we still have a good mission trip if we were all in different villages? What about this other church that was also split up with us? Yes, we shared our experience with Fieldon United Church of Christ, in Fieldon, Illinois (outside of East St. Louis). When we arrived at our villages, the St. Matthew Tibetans were assigned to the upper class (living in a well-constructed, albeit warm, yurt), as were the St. Matthew Mozambiqans (living in a multi-room brick home). The remaining St. Matthew Mississippi Deltans and I were assigned to the lower class (living in an abandoned school bus with a tin covered kitchen attachment).

On the first day, we worked our fields or tended to our animals or simply learned about our own family and our neighboring family. We were allotted a certain amount of supplies, given recipes, and we made dinner from the region. The second day was more intense. We work up early and completed our chores. Then it was time to work, since we would need food for lunch, which had to be purchased at the market. Unfortunately, every family faced some disease or affliction which severely cut into that income. Lunch was sparse and people began to realize what having no food may feel like. The Mozambiqans faced a different challenge. Not ordinarily having meat in their diet, they were blessed by finding a lost rabbit and capturing it. The decision had to be made – save the rabbit or save the family by eating the rabbit. After a long, long debate, the family, by consensus, decided to take the rabbit to the market to be butchered. We learned about power and control after lunch, but during our lesson, the unthinkable happened. A flood ripped through Mozambique, destroying possessions and bringing disease to the lower class Mozambiqans. We returned to our villages to come up with ideas to help them. Many of us wanted to take in refugees, but resources were scarce and money was short. So we began relief fundraising – by making jewelry, by giving tours of our regions, by working in the fields for extra pay. Slowly, the Mozambiqans were saved.

On the third, and final full day, we began the day much like the second day – chores and work and lunch. Before lunch, we were taught how to make cheese, which provided a very nice mid-day snack until lunch. Lunch was a tad different because all villages came to the market and we could trade with them. The Mississippi Deltans, who appeared to have more, traded well for sugar (a huge luxury) and as a result, had a decent sweet cake dessert with their lunch. After lunch, we learned about development projects and began to work on them: the Tibetans learned about building a solar powered electric fence to pen their animals to prevent overgrazing; the Mozambiqans worked with another village to pass on their knowledge of rabbit-raising and passed on one of their rabbits; and the Deltans developed a program to supply their own meat and produce to the local school system, thus improving the health of local children and keeping money invested in the community. The entire Ranch ate a meal prepared by the Deltans and all were treated to a special helping of goat-milk ice cream.

The fourth day was our departure day. We were all tired and hungry (and dirty from the lack of showers). But we captured what we learned and planned ways to spread the word about Heifer Ranch. We said prayers for the actual suffering in Zimbabwe. We prayed for the bond that had developed between St. Matthew and Fieldon UCC churches. And we packed up for the Heifer Hilton and the first shower we would have in days. Our youth had a joyous time and learned an incredible amount about combating hunger and poverty. As we journeyed home, we made a stop in St. Louis and took in the Arch. No one stopped talking about their experience the whole ride home.

Hiya

Hey all . . .
I know it has been about forever since I last dropped you a line. I have been a tad busy. A trial or two here and there at work eats into free time because it requires longer hours, which cuts into chores/required stuff outside of work, which reduces free time. I also just got back from my first mission trip as a leader. St. Matthew took 11 youth (2 of whom from another church) and 5 leaders to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. Talk about an adventure (we will in another blog soon). Then there is youth group (we are doing monthly movies on Sundays - today, the youth group saw the Simpsons Movie [yes, the parents knew about it].) I am a tad overwhelmed with all I have taken in over the last month. Youth Sunday is two weeks away so that is a busy planning time period. And next Sunday, I am preaching about clay vessels. I have lots to say, but until then . . . may God shine his face upon you always.

Why Do We Leave Our Hand on the Stove?

Cages or wings? Which do you prefer? Have you shackled your own self to conceptual versions of reality that you clung to once but no longer wish to envision anymore? Not really sure where I am going with these thoughts, but I can certainly tell you that I am enjoying the challenges of this round of self-discovery. In part because it's actual self-re-discovery for me. In part because I have had some really intellectual and sarcastic conversations with people I know. Seminary class (on the parables of Jesus) has also pulled a spiritual growth for me into the mix. All in all, when I clear my head, I won't be some monstrosity to fear. I will likely be a little different, but my personality has not and will not change. Sean remains through it all. What is even better is that I have been writing more. I spent time with my high school choir teacher and we jotted out this cool piano duet (I may play it at church sometime because it blends two cool styles - my teacher writes connectively whereas I write radially). Anyways, I miss my youth group - I haven't led youth group since June 13, and with holidays and family camp, we won't have youth group until July 18. It was suggested that we go see Evan Almighty this weekend - we may do that.

Fear or love, baby - don't say the answer. Actions speak louder than words!

Jump Back to Me Anytime

A lot has been weighing on me lately. Crazy trial schedules and appointments as the lawyer for children. Youth group imploded and I let it happen - cost me some youth - but nothing is perfect (and I expected that I would have a flop youth meeting at least once this year). My family is still family with all the quirks that they have. And with all that, I am still trying to figure out who I am. I hit a point in life where I needed to redefine. I think that is what makes my job with youth ministry a bit easier - the youth are all finding themselves and where they are going in life. I have the benefit of my years of experience to guide me. So, when we all talk, they get a sense that I know what they are going through.

I sat down and gave a more thoughtful prayer than I usually do. I don't do formal prayers, outside of church. I pray as I go, praise as it happens, reach out as the event is occuring. I imagine God saying, "Sean, breathe. Take a moment, write it all down, then call me." It's just me - impatience is something that's part of me. It's not that I don't know how to wait. I just want to move forward on it if I can. I wrote this one down and asked God to shine a little light on things for me - give me a general idea where to take things. He hasn't let me down so far in my life, so it's a safe bet I won't be lead astray.

Anyways, this wasn't meant to be a preachy blog or even a prayerful one. It's a placeholder to remind me to get myself back on track. Trials come and go. Youth meetings should flow, not be carved out. Family is a good thing. It's a reminder that I have something to do still - and when I figure it all out, it will be a pretty cool picture. I just wish that one friend was there to give me the "cheerleading" words that I used to get from him. I miss that.

Weird Facts Return

Every so often, I post a list of weird/odd/strange facts (and add my personal commentary to those facts). Hey, I admit that I am a huge nerd with an unusual amount of spare time on my hands (given my activity schedule). So, here goes:

Scientists believe that a meat-eating plant lives underground with no direct sunlight. (This just in - scientists believe that the moon is made of green cheese)

Monkeys fling feces at each other when agitated. (Which is where we get the phrase "throwing a shit fit")

Yawns are a way of communication. They don't signal that you are tired, but rather you want to do something different now. (Like reading another blog)

Killer whales capture fish by slapping them. (Funny, that's how I keep people away from me)

A shrimp's heart is in its head. (Republicans' heads are in their butts)

A ducks quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. (LIAR! Mythbusters busted this!!!!)

A cockroach can live for several weeks without its head. (So can Republicans)

Elephants can't jump. (Did anyone ever think they could, c'mon)

The oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old. (Eve had to have something after the apple)

More Monopoly money is printed in a year, than real money printed throughout the world. (And real money is spent just like monopoly money - nothing backing it and we can just print more later or steal it from the bank)

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Sadly though, he no longer could reproduce after that discovery)

Walt Disney was afraid of mice. (and Jews)

Ted Turner owns 5 percent of New Mexico. (Half of which went to Jane Fonda in the divorce)

Polar bears are left-handed. (The scientist who found this out is dead, and was related to the inventor of the microwave)

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. (Because we eat pennies)

Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school. (Neither did George Bush, what's your point?)

A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't. (Who is experimenting with animals in this way?)

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven (7) times. (Go ahead and do it, the blog will be here when you get back)

Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. (Unless you crash near quicksand, then you will be fine)

Sooner or Later

lyrics by Michael Tolcher:

"Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
Try not to say anything weird
Save your questions without answers
'Til your old enough to know that things ain't as they appeared

Before you go out in the sun
Cover your skin and don't get burned
Beware the cancer, it might kill you when you're old

Be first in line, raise your hand
Remember everything you hear
And playing in the rain is worth catching cold

We only want what's best for you
That's why we tell you what to do
And nevermind if nothing makes sense

'Cause it all works out in the end
You're just like us without a friend
But you can build a privacy fence Yeah

Somethings you have to learn them all on your own
You can't rely on anybody else
Or the point of view of a source unknown
If it feels good and sounds nice
Then it's your choice don't doubt yourself
Don't even think twice

Pull the hair back from your eyes
Let the people see your pretty face
You know they like it when you smile Find a reason to smile

Try not to focus on yourself
Share that love with someone else
Don't let the bitters bring you down
Don't let anything bring you down"

This song has been running through my head the past week. I listen to it and think about the advice I have always gotten from adults in my life when I was much younger. And I remember thinking, 'what do they know' or 'why won't they just answer me,' and it bugged me. Sometimes adults would give me platitudes, such as 'you'll know when you are older.' Well, I am older, and guess what, I still don't know. I don't know why bad things still happen. I don't know why people focus on hurting others with words or weapons. I don't know what I am quick to anger the moment I get behind the wheel of a car.

Sometimes adults, especially my mom, would give me blanket advice, like 'never let anyone tell you that you can't.' Yep, hold my head high and stand strong in the face of objections, ridicule, pressure, arrogance, or anger. It's tough when someone calls you out and tells you they think you got it all wrong, or when they flat out disagree, or when they try to convince you of something other than what you believe. Kinda difficult to do, but I keep this quote close to my heart, 'character means standing up for something, even it means you stand alone.'

Then, when I was in college, I joined a fraternity. I was a youngster, and an older member in the house, when I was particularly stressed about soccer, school, and the house, sat me down and showed me a plaque that his dad gave him. It carried this simple message: IN THE RACE TO BE BETTER OR BEST, DO NOT MISS THE JOY OF BEING. Of all the advice I have gotten, most of it became hardwired into who I am (manners, compassion, measure twice cut once, and so on), this nugget is something I have to remind myself of. It is easy to get wrapped up in the pursuits of life, but what really matters is this wonderful gift of just being alive. And we didn't have to do anything to get it. It came free.

So, sooner or later, we will find the answer to everything. Sooner or later, we will think about one another. Sooner or later, we will figure out just who we are. And sooner or later, I will stop yelling when I am driving.

West Side Story

Last night at youth group, we were talking about social justice, changing the world, and being good to one another. Well, the kids discussed the problem of a rivalry that has been brewing between two high schools in the area - North and South. Jokingly, because the town where we all live is very suburban, I joked about West Side Story and the rivalry in that movie between the Jets and the Sharks. But, it has turned somewhat serious. One side is mad at the other side over what may have been a fight over a girl - you know, typical anger issues for teens. But is has escalated into a mob of one school vs. a mob of the other. Last week, these schools had some sort of altercation that resulted for certain with one child going to the emergency room due to a broken tooth.

We often think that suburbia is immune from "gang" violence. That "it couldn't happen here" mentality rises up. But, it does happen. Two years ago, a young man from the St. Charles area was killed in a fight between two rival schools. We enrobe ourselves with the false comfort that our children do not act like the children we read about in urban areas. We think we are immune to violence and evil.

My questions are simple (and I have the luxury of asking, since I don't have any kids yet and it's my blog):
1) Where are the parents? When the first incident occurred, did the parents just gloss over it?
2) Where are the school administrators? Are they even aware of this problem? Were they too engrossed in the school board elections?
3) Where was I? I have youth from both schools in youth group. I first learned of it last night. Was there something I missed? I don't think any of the youth from our youth group are involved, but jeez, were my blinders on too?

I hope that the youth who read this will think before they engage in violence, and they will choose restraint over reaction, and that they will come to the adults in their lives for guidance. I have visited a youth in the hospital because of illness; I certainly do not want to visit a youth in the hospital because of senseless violence.

Say What?

Once upon a time (when I was in law school), I worked as a DJ at a radio station. The most fun thing on the 3 am shift was to answer requests from people who could only quote (in an inaccurate way) lyrics to the song. My favorites misstated lyrics included: "Once more it's a naked love" (Pride - In the Name of Love by U2); "Another turnip, boy, a Ford stuck in the road" (Time of Your Life by Green Day); and "Bought an old house on the dance floor" (Old Apartment by Barenaked Ladies). There are tons more and if you want to have a good laugh, go check out http://kissthisguy.com. It is a website diarying misheard lyrics. Where did the title come from? Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. The actual lyric is "Excuse me while I kiss the sky." It is often misheard, and oddly misheard, as "Excuse me, while I kiss this guy."

Language is a very funny thing. Conveys emotions. Memorializes history. Directs us to do or not do certain things. And when language is misheard or misinterpreted, it can lead to the following: war, theft, anger, death, mistrust, and isolation. I wish that only humor resulted from misheard language. I wish that George Bush wouldn't mishear Congress' call for an end date in Iraq. I wish that other nations wouldn't mishear our words to imply that we want to run the world. I wish that my words would not be misheard - when I say Guantanamo is wrong, I do not mean that we should not protect our country. What I mean is that no person should be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law (see our 5th Amendment to the US Constitution). Person means any person, not just a citizen of the US.

I wish that Scripture wasn't misheard to suggest that God condones violence in the name of religion. As my pastor has told me, and I desparately try to follow, the two greatest commandments are: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and body; and Love your neighbor as yourself. Sadly, even these commandments are misheard.

In the mean time, bum around the misheard lyrics website and have a laugh today.

Holy Spirit, Batman

When I was a tad younger, I loved to watch repeats of the Batman TV series, which, although I am old, was in reruns while I was watching. Aside from the overacting, odd villians, and cartoon "kapows," I remember Robin always saying "Holy [something], Batman." It was usually tied to something they encountered, such as if they were fighting at a fashion show and a crew of thugs came in, Robin would quip, "Holy Runway Models, Batman." Now, as I am rambling on, there is a point.

This week at confirmation, we have been teaching the Book of Acts, also referred to as the Acts of the Apostles. This is the foundation and story of the early church. It is hard to wrap my mind around how it must have been in those early days, how difficult to gather everyone together and teach. But, I am thinking of the Holy Spirit and how it plays the center role in the early church. Pentecost - universal translating the language, baptism by fire, yup that's the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit somehow gets forgotten in the shuffle. The triune God, three parts of one whole - where would God be without God, the Holy Spirit. Called the giver of life.

What does the Holy Spirit mean to us? I wish I could answer that in a truly meaningful way. Sadly, I just don't know about the Holy Spirit. We often overlook the role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity. To be honest, as I said, I really only think of the Holy Spirit in the story of Pentecost, or when I recite the Apostles' Creed, or when the dove descends upon Jesus. I remember in art history that the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dove. Hardly a true understanding of the Holy Spirit. What do I do then? I think I will utter the words, "Holy Spirit, Batman" and take this year to study the Holy Spirit and what it means to my faith. Jeepers, I will just have to figure out where to begin.

The Calling

Okay, it was Pack the Place Night tonight at youth group, and we had a boatload of kids. Why is this important? Well, I had to make sure the kids were well supervised, which means I didn't have my cell phone on me. So, at 5:37 pm (yes, that is what the voicemail said), Open Adoption & Family Services in Seattle called me to let me know that they have a screening call for me. This means that the potential baby could be: a) a girl, b) the child of birthmother who used drugs or alcohol, c) of a different ethnicity, or d) I don't know. Am I excited? Totally, this is the first step in a possible adoption - very cool feeling. However, part of me is still keeping my cards close to the vest - no need to build up my hopes for something that is nebulous right now. Things often happen when you least expect it. Some cliches never go out of style.

No matter how hard I try, I keep imagining the whole dad thing going on. Baseball games, parenting, babyproofing a house, and so on. What about a name? I know I had said "Benjamin Adam" if it's a boy. However, I like the name "Joshua Adam" for a boy, so that is what I am naming him. If it's a girl, I am going with "Bailey Abigail."

But for now, I play the waiting game. And, after the screening call, it could still turn out that this birthmother or birthparents pick another person or couple. Say a prayer for me.